The Killing Ground

Ancient/Medieval miniatures rules

Reviewed by Ed Mills

Published by Conflict Simulation Systems, P.O. Box 805, San Francisco CA 94101. $8.95. Ancient and Medieval miniature simulation rules.

Troop classifications, scales and game mechanisms are similar to WRG. Unlike some rule sets, suitable acknowledgement is given for this borrowing. The similarities makes armies based on this rule system compatable with WRG. This is a well considered action by the Authors since any new set of ancient rules must not only compete with WRG, but attract defectors from the "Establishment".

The rules are divided into basic and advance game modules. The basic game has no order writing and deals with how to move, shoot, melee and react the units. There are numerous examples to assist understanding. Unfortunately, the rules are sprinkled with exceptions and special cases which indicate a little refining of concepts is needed. The reminder sheet contains data not included in the text. The terrain system is more time consuming to choose than WRG, but is less likely to disrupt an opponent's deployment or significantly assist your own. The sequence of play is reversed from WRG with melees first and movement and morale last. A point system is used for figures similar to WRG's musket and pike rules.

The advanced game contains a variety of rules which increase the complexity of play. These include familiar ancient and musket/pike rules like scouting, order writing, breakthroughs and feints. The "Death or Glory" and "Hidden Movement" provisions are interesting. There is a "Command Control" roll which simulates a breakdown in the chain of command.

Positive points include a "Drill Manual", Glossary, and painting tips. A short bibliography of secondary sources is included. Curiously, no mention of "Slingshot" is made. The Authors imply that practical experience in the S.C.A. assisted in the development of the rules. Actually, the stringent anti-missile regulations of the Society of Creative Anachronism renders this problematical.

It seems to me that the nation that put man on the moon could develop a good, original set of Ancient rules. Scotty Bowden and Gary Gygax have been diverted into Napoleonics and Fantasy. Fortunately a new generation of rule writers, specifically J. Vidlak and Conflict Simulations Systems have made their appearance. I wish them well.

More Reviews

Back to Table of Contents -- Courier Vol. III #3
To Courier List of Issues
To MagWeb Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1981 by The Courier Publishing Company.
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com